• Firdaus Orchestra’s Mini Maestros

    Firdaus Studio Al Forsan Zone, Expo City Dubai, Dubai

    An introduction to music generally and the orchestra in particular by Expo City Dubai’s all-female Firdaus Orchestra via a concert of classically arranged music for children aged 0 to 6 years old and their parents. The programme includes a range [ ... ]

    AED 495
  • All Africa Festival

    Etihad Park Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Three days of African vibes, described as "the UAE’s largest celebration of Africa’s rich and diverse cultures in all their vibrant expressions and representations"; we're promised "an unforgettable mosaic of performances, artistic, culinary and culturally immersive experiences". It's built around [ ... ]

    From AED 150
  • Ras Al Khaimah Art

    Al Jazeera Al Hamra Ras Al Khaimah

    Ras Al Khaimah Art, the new incarnation of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Art Festival, opens to the public at 9pm on Friday 2 February. As ever, it’s at the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, which has increasingly been [ ... ]

    Free
  • Art Souk

    Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai

    Art, crafts, F&B, music and hands-on interactive workshops at a Dubai Culture weekend under the umbrella of the Sikka platform. Should be fun for all the family ... The full programme is here.

    Free
  • DuoCalva

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A rare chance to catch the Swiss 'cellocomedy' duo outside Europe. Alain Schudel and Daniel Schaerer are excellent cellists in their own right, but on the stage with pieces by the likes of Mozart, Strauss, Holst and David Bowie (ok, [ ... ]

    AED 50
  • SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi: day one

    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A weekend of films for children and the young, presented by the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region as a taster version of the well established SCHLiNGEL International Film Festival held in Chemnitz, Germany. The Abu Dhabi version runs over the weekend of [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi: day two

    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A weekend of films for children and the young, presented by the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region as a taster version of the well established SCHLiNGEL International Film Festival held in Chemnitz, Germany. The Abu Dhabi version runs over the weekend of [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi: day three

    The Arts Center @ NYUAD NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Last day of this weekend of films for children and the young, presented by the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region as a taster version of the well established SCHLiNGEL International Film Festival held in Chemnitz, Germany. The Abu Dhabi version runs over [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Spot Camp

    Manarat al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    The Spot camp is back with workshops, games, music (including an open mic), and a bunch of retail and F&B stalls. There's lots for the kids (bubble machines, face painting) and interactive art and live painting. Should be fun, though [ ... ]

    AED 17
  • Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF)

    Vox Cinema, City Center Al Zahia University Road, Al Zahia, Sharjah

    SIFF is back for its eleventh edition with an expanded official selection of 98 films (last year had just over 80) selected from 1,834 submissions from 73 countries. Zimbabwe takes part for the first time; Palestine’s selection as Guest of [ ... ]

    tbc
  • Fujairah Children’s Book Fair

    Al Bayt Mitwahid Hall Al Maktoum Road, Fujairah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

    The inaugural Fujairah Children's Book Fair will run 13-19 October 13 to 19 at Fujairah’s Al Bayt Mitwahid Hall. We know little about the event – it has Instagram and Facebook accounts, but right now they’re post-free and there’s no [ ... ]

  • Meeting Mozart

    Theatre by QE2 Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai

    This acclaimed interactive experience for the young has been a major success for Sydney Opera House; it’s a 40-minute show aimed at children aged 2 to 10 (and their families) which blends live music, storytelling, and song to introduce young [ ... ]

    AED 80
  • Meeting Mozart

    Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

    This acclaimed interactive experience for the young has been a major success for Sydney Opera House; it’s a 40-minute show aimed at children aged 2 to 10 (and their families) which blends live music, storytelling, and song to introduce young [ ... ]

    From AED 120
  • Down to Earth 2024

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    The Jameel’s annual festival for eco-consciousness and sustainability is back for its fifth iteration. Expect activities for all ages themed around botanical, sustainable and eco-conscious living with hands-on workshops, tours, talks and demonstrations, plus new interactive art installations, experiential performances [ ... ]

    Free
  • Young Maestro: Exploring Mood & Emotions

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    A classical music concert for families with children the combines storytelling with live performance of the pieces by Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart and Tchaikovsky to explore the composer's palette of emotions. It's performed by the Baldaquin Ensemble, featuring cellist Petr Gladysh, a [ ... ]

    AED 250
  • Strings & Dreams : A French Classical Music Journey

    Dubai Opera Studio Downtown Dubai, Dubai

    The Baldaquin Ensemble – featuring cellist Petr Gladysh and violists Anna Larionova-Gladysh, Sergei Belozertsev, and Daria Kuchenova – presents a concert of French romantic crowd-pleasers: Debussy Clair de Lune arr for string quartet Debussy String Quartet in G mino Fauré [ ... ]

    AED 430
  • The Little Mermaid

    Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai

    H2 productions and the Dubai Panto team return to Jumeirah Beach Hotel with their unique adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's well-loved tale of the mermaid who yearns for a life above the waves – only to be ensnared by the [ ... ]

    From AED 110
  • The Little Mermaid

    Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai

    The last chance to catch the return of H2 productions and the Dubai Panto team with their adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's well-loved tale of the mermaid who yearns for a life above the waves – only to be ensnared [ ... ]

    From AED 110
  • Family Saturdays at the Jameel: Seas are sweet, fish tears are salty

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    A family workshop day based on Mohammad Alfaraj’s current Jameel exhibition Seas are sweet, fish tears are salty. It starts with a tour, led by Alfaraj, and delves into his artistic practice – particularly his approach to storytelling alongside the [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF)

    Vox Cinema, City Center Al Zahia University Road, Al Zahia, Sharjah

    The 12th Edition of SIFF takes place 6 to 11 October at VOX Cinemas in City Centre Al Zahia with what looks like a strong lineup – 76 films (chosen from 1,740 submissions!) representing 26 countries. South Korea is participating [ ... ]

    tbc
  • Matty Grey: 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents and Other Really Old People

    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    Matty Grey’s award-winning show for the Dubai Comedy Festival has a dangerousy seductive title. We're promised outrageously funny antics, gross-out games, and "hilarious tips on how to drive grown-ups crazy (in the best way)". There's a second show tomorrow (12 [ ... ]

    From AED 75
  • Jonny Awsum: The Kids Show

    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    Feel-good musical comedy for the Dubai Comedy Festival, "guaranteed to get all ages singing and laughing along". Each show finishes with a meet and greet session with Jonny and a photo opportunity with the bowler hats from ‘This is a [ ... ]

    AED 125
  • Matty Grey: 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents and Other Really Old People

    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    A second outing for Matty Grey’s award-winning show for the Dubai Comedy Festival. We're promised outrageously funny antics, gross-out games, and "hilarious tips on how to drive grown-ups crazy (in the best way)".

    From AED 75
  • Jonny Awsum: The Kids Show

    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    Another performance of this feel-good musical comedy for the Dubai Comedy Festival, "guaranteed to get all ages singing and laughing along". Each show finishes with a meet-and-greet session with Jonny and a photo opportunity with the bowler hats from ‘This [ ... ]

    AED 125
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    It might be a bit early for Christmas, but this really is one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    It might be a bit early for Christmas, but this really is one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    It might be a bit early for Christmas, but this really is one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    It might be a bit early for Christmas, but this really is one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    It might be a bit early for Christmas, but this really is one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Shakespeare for Kidz: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

    First staged to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival in the late 1990s, Shakespeare 4 Kidz’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a lively, funny and accessible musical retelling of Shakespeare’s timeless classic. The comed follows the Duke of Athens as [ ... ]

    From AED 135
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    It might be a bit early for Christmas, but this really is one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 [ ... ]

    From AED 225
  • Shakespeare for Kidz: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

    Two more performances of Shakespeare 4 Kidz' lively, funny and accessible musical retelling of Shakespeare’s timeless classic There are performances at 9am-10.30am and 11.45am-1.15pm, with two more tomorrow (21 October) at the same time.      

    From AED 135
  • Shakespeare for Kidz: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

    Two final performances for Shakespeare 4 Kidz' lively, funny and accessible musical retelling of Shakespeare’s classic. There are shows at 9 – 10.30am and 11.45am – 1.15pm    

    From AED 135
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    The second week for one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 countries around the world, including a near sellout [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    The second week for one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 countries around the world, including a near sellout [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    The second week for one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 countries around the world, including a near sellout [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi: day one

    Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

    After a successful debut in 2024, SCHLiNGEL returns to Abu Dhabi. It's an international film festival for children that has been running since 1996 in Chemnitz, Germany, showcasing the most exciting new productions for young people. The Abu Dhabi edition [ ... ]

    AED 25
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    The second week for one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 countries around the world, including a near sellout [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi: day two

    Cultural Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

    SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi's return continues with a full day of films for the young, taken from the international film festival for children that has been running since 1996 in Germany. All films with dialogue have English subtitles. There are three [ ... ]

    AED 25
  • Slava’s Snowshow

    Slava’s Snowshow
    New Covent Garden Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

    The second week for one of the best seasonal shows around – a whimsical blur of laughter, awe, and magic that has already been seen by more than 12 million theatregoers in80 countries around the world, including a near sellout [ ... ]

    From AED 200
  • Poetry in Action: The Poets’ Quest

    Cultural Foundation Qasr al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

    A time travelling adventure, where poetry saves the world as Blake journeys through time to win back his true love Grace ... The show demonstrates how to master rhyme, rhythm, and imagery while rooting for Blake’s quest to win back [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Poetry in Action: Muse It Or Lose It

    Cultural Foundation Qasr al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

    This high-energy comedy explores poetry through live performances, linking classic literature with contemporary works and showcasing techniques like metaphor, symbolism, and why words matter — with plenty of laughs along the way. One of a series of shows today and [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Poetry in Action: Words Of War

    Cultural Foundation Qasr al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

    A dynamic performance showcasing Wilfred Owen's most powerful poems, including “Dulce et Decorum Est” and “Anthem for Doomed Youth.” The show explores poetic techniques like imagery, irony, and rhythmic schemes while reflecting on the brutal realities of World War I. [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Poetry in Action: The Poets’ Quest

    Cultural Foundation Qasr al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

    A second performance for this time travelling adventure, where poetry saves the world as Blake journeys through time to win back his true love ... The show demonstrates how to master rhyme, rhythm, and imagery while rooting for Blake’s quest [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Poetry in Action: Muse It Or Lose It

    Cultural Foundation Qasr al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

    A second performance for this high-energy exploration of poetry through live performances, linking classic literature with contemporary works and showcasing techniques like metaphor, symbolism, and why words matter — with plenty of laughs along the way. One of a series [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Down to Earth 2025

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    The Jameel’s annual festival for eco-consciousness and sustainability is back for its sixth edition in the Arts Centre and across the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park. Expect activities for all ages themed around botanical, sustainable and eco-conscious living with hands-on workshops [ ... ]

    Free, but pre-register
  • The Elf in the Gulf

    South View School Remraam, Al Thammam, Dubai

    Seasonal musical theatre fun for all the family (but mainly the kids). It's a continuation of the world created by Collab Company last year with a troupe of singers, dancers and actors; this time five rookie elves must complete their [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • The Elf in the Gulf

    South View School Remraam, Al Thammam, Dubai

    A second round of performances for Collab Company's seasonal musical theatre fun – five rookie elves must complete their training at the Christmas Academy and Department of Elvish Training (CADET) in pursuit of their mission to bring joy to families [ ... ]

    AED 100
  • Family Day at 421

    421 Arts Campus Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A day full of gallery adventures, stories, and hands-on activities for families. It begins with a collective exploration of the idea of 'ripples', riffing on the current 421 exhibition Rays, Ripples, Residue; the tour concludes with a reading of Colorful [ ... ]

    Free
  • Jameel Arts Centre: Ramadan Nights

    Jameel Arts Centre Al Jaddaf, Dubai

    Ramadan Nights returns to the Jameel for a weekend of evening workshops led by local artists, self-guided creative activities and late-night access to the current exhibitions. There will also be the Ramadan Souk’s curated stalls and traditional comestibles, plus a [ ... ]

    Free